Jane Cary Murrey, age 90, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026. Born to Margaret Shelton and Homer Lee Cary, she was raised in Erin, Tennessee.
Jane showed independence and academic success early on, and at 15 she moved to Nashville to attend Peabody Demonstration School, the precursor to University School of Nashville, boarding with undergraduates in the Vanderbilt women’s dormitory. Upon graduation, Jane attended Duke University and then Vanderbilt, from which she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1957. At Vanderbilt she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and was crowned the university’s Miss Charm of 1957.
Later that year, Jane married Harwell Murrey, of Lewisburg TN, and they moved to Memphis, where she taught high school history while he attended medical school. They settled in Pulaski, TN, and resided there for almost sixty years. During that time, Jane maintained a busy schedule parenting five children, supporting Harwell’s medical practice, and managing a large household and farm. Organized and efficient, Jane ran her household more smoothly than any business. Each time Harwell came up with a new idea, it was often Jane who provided the skills and actions to execute his plans flawlessly.
Throughout her life, Jane was social and outgoing. She loved to strike up conversations and meet people, and her large circle of friends extended far beyond Pulaski. Known for her gracious hospitality, she frequently opened her beautiful home for bridge circles, high school float parties, fundraisers, wedding parties and family holidays. In spite of the constant activity, her home was always spotless, immaculate, and welcoming. Jane was truly never happier than when her home was filled with people.
In her free time, Jane loved to read – mostly novels and newspapers – preferably on a screened porch. She was also a frequent volunteer at the Giles County Public Library and the First United Methodist Church, serving on local and regional boards over the years. She was a fierce supporter of both Duke Blue Devils and Vanderbilt Commodores basketball, holding Vandy season tickets for many years. As her children married and began to give her grandchildren, she and Harwell built a beach house at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where the entire family gathered several times a year. Some of her favorite times were spent sitting on that porch or the beach, surrounded by her family, laughing, listening, and telling stories.
Jane was preceded in death by parents, Margaret Shelton and Homer Lee Cary, eldest son William Harwell (Bill) Murrey, Jr., and her husband of 68 years, Dr. William Harwell Murrey. She is survived by sons Dr. Mark Murrey (Maloo) of Boone, NC; Dr. Dan Murrey (Katie Oates) of Asheville, NC; daughters Cary Brimm (Jack) of Brentwood, TN; Margaret DiNella and Bill Able of Birmingham, AL; daughter-in-law Callie Morris Murrey of Pulaski, TN; and ten grandchildren: Lou Murrey, Eli Murrey (Hannah), Sam Murrey, Lucy Murrey, Jack Brimm, Joe DiNella, Cary DiNella, William Brimm, Heron Murrey, and Alder Murrey.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for Jane’s care to Somerfield Health Center, Aveanna Hospice, and Senior Helpers. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and a funeral service at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to University School of Nashville, Giles County Public Library, or the First United Methodist Church of Pulaski.
